MOFA’s reshuffling a “planned change” – Pres. Granger

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, December 11, 2019

His Excellency President David Granger has clarified that the reshuffling of diplomats within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was a planned change as it is in keeping with his vision to professionalise the Foreign Service.

On the sidelines of an event hosted earlier on Wednesday at the Ministry of the Presidency, the Head of State said there has been “no shakeup” within the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

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H.E President David Granger responding to questions from the media

He explained that when he took office, it was made clear that diplomats would be placed on a three-year contract to professionalise the foreign service.

“That is to say, reduce or remove political appointees and to allow career officers who had been recruited to become diplomats,” he stated.

The President explained that many of the diplomats’ contracts ended during the period when there was uncertainty surrounding a date for the upcoming elections, however, the decision was made when the date was announced.

“It is not a shakeup it is a planned changed and the ambassadors and high commissioners knew that the intention of the government has always been to professionalise the service.”

President Granger also explained his decision to reassign Ambassador Audrey Jardine-Waddell as Director-General and appoint Charlene Phoenix as the ministry’s Permanent Secretary.  He disclosed that Waddell is “earmarked” for a foreign posting.

“We have laid down certain criteria, there are certain for example, language qualification and Ambassador Waddell speaks foreign languages and that is one of the criteria that we’ve laid down.”

He further explained that as far as possible, Ambassadors and High Commissioners should speak the language of the capital to which they’re posted.

“She is qualified for a higher post and on vacating the post of Director-General, it was my decision to appoint a Permanent Secretary who would continue the administration of the Foreign Service. It is not a demotion, it is actually a promotion,” the Head of State remarked.

The President emphasised that it is in the national interest that these changes were made.

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